America 250.

On June 7, 1776, Virginia delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Richard Henry Lee, submitted a resolution declaring the independence of the thirteen American Colonies from Great Britain. The text of the resolution read:
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“Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.”

The Congress went into recess until July 1, 1776. In the meantime, the resolution was referred to a committee consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Rodger Sherman, and Robert Livingston, who were directed to draft a statement to the world about the colonies’ case for independence.
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On July 2, 1776, the Lee Resolution for independence was formally adopted by the Continental Congress and the draft of the Declaration of Independence, penned chiefly by Jefferson, was submitted for review. The process of debate and revision of the draft document continued over the next two days and was officially adopted on July 4, 1776. The signing ceremony of the Declaration of Independence took place on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia. 

On July 3, 1776, a jubilant John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.  I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

​You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
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Adams was correct in predicting that there would be a great anniversary celebration every year in July to celebrate America’s independence. He knew that without the adoption of the Lee Resolution on July 2nd, there would have been no adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th.  Adams therefore held firm to his belief that America’s independence should be celebrated on July 2nd, and he stubbornly refused to participate in July 4th celebrations. In an ironic twist of fate, Adams passed away on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

This week America will celebrate its 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and I will be one of those celebrating.  Ten years ago, Congress established America250, an organization to fund and oversee the commemoration and celebration of this milestone anniversary.  America250 receives most of its funding from Congress and is subject to congressional oversight. America250 has three key initiatives:

• National Block Parties: these are taking place across the country to celebrate the 4th of July. Major events are taking place in Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, and Fort Campbell.
• Giving 4th: a movement to establish July 4th as a new national day of charitable giving.
• America Gives: an effort to get Americans involved in volunteer service as a way to honor America. 
  

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Donald Trump established a competing organization, Freedom 250, by executive order at the beginning of his second term. As chairman, Trump oversees the organization, which is funded mainly through private donations. He controls the programming and messaging, and it provides his donors one more avenue to prove their loyalty. Freedom 250 was behind the UFC fight at the White House and the proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch near the Lincoln Memorial. It is putting on the IndyCar race in Washington D.C. and the Great American State Fair taking place on the National Mall. Several musical acts backed out of performing at the fair after learning that Trump’s organization was putting it on, and several states refused to participate due to the political nature of the event. 

Freedom 250 is another vehicle for Trump to promote himself, his version of American history, and his vision of what it means to be an American. Trump has managed to turn this American celebration into a celebration of himself and all that he stands for. But America has come too far to fall for it.    
 
A few years ago, I wrote a 4th of July blog in response to how traditional American symbols of patriotism had been hijacked by certain groups for partisan advantage.  Today the current administration in Washington D.C. is using the events of America’s 250th anniversary to promote its views of what it is to be an American, and which parts of our history are worthy of our consideration. Rather than being discouraged, I believe more than ever in the promise of America, and the following words seem more relevant today than when I wrote them two years ago:

"The American flag is a symbol of unity, not divisiveness. This 4th of July I will be flying the flag in front of my house with pride and without an agenda. I will not be flying the flag because I am a patriot or affiliated with a particular group or cause, but to show that I am a proud American. I am proud of the document our founding fathers signed 250 years ago which set into motion an extraordinary and courageous set of events leading to the establishment of a new and great nation called the United States of America. The path to greatness was not always easy or just, but one of struggles, setbacks, and inequities. Through the wars and internal strife that threatened to rip this country apart, Americans have always pulled together to overcome any challenge and to persevere.
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No one individual, group, or party can lay claim to the flag. It belongs to all Americans, regardless of race, color, religion, or political affiliation. When the flag is appropriated by a group and becomes part of its messaging, it is meant to divide rather than to unite. This is un-American and denigrates the flag which is a symbol of unity and national pride.

The American flag stands for the highest ideals, not the lowest. Each color on the flag has a specific meaning. Red symbolizes valor and bravery. White symbolizes purity and innocence. Blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The flag is more than a piece of cloth, it symbolizes the ideals set forth in our founding documents and reminds us that we are one nation and believe in liberty and justice for all.
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Our forebears in the original thirteen colonies overcame vast cultural and geographic differences to unite in a common cause. I believe Americans remain united in our common humanity and still cherish the notion that we are endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That is why I will be flying the flag on the 4th of July." 

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Thanks,
Armchair American